Greater New Orleans

Madisonville area adults getting kick out of kickball league

Jamie and Joe Bonura of Madisonville have been involved in the Madisonville Youth Boosters for 15 years as their children Toni, Tyler and Tatum played a variety of sports offered at local ballparks.

Team captain David Angerdina slides into thid base during a match of kickball on August 5. The adult league plays games every Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

But now, Jamie and Joe are getting a kick out of being in a league of their own.

Adult kickball is in its second season at Coquille Sports Complex, offering adults a chance to play on the diamonds that usually are occupied by the children.

For the adult Bonuras, it’s their first year playing and Jamie is spreading the word for other adults to join in the fun by forming a team next season.

"At first, I really wanted to play a tough sport like softball or cabbageball, but the recreation board...offered kickball. Surprisingly, it is a blast. We are having the best time ever. I didn’t think it was going to be this much fun," she said.

Bonura said it had been 20 years since she played sports and she thought she might not be able to participate without her muscles aching. After the first practice, she felt so good, she wanted to play even more.

She said there are advantages other than physical benefits to gain.

"It’s a great way for Joe and I to meet new people. I have lived in Madisonville since I was a young girl, so I know a lot of people. Playing kickball, I have met new people that I have never knew before," Bonura said.

Now instead of the Bonuras cheering their children from the sidelines, their children are now on the sidelines cheering for them.

"A lot of parents volunteer their time to coach because they love to play sports. This gives us the opportunity to play in a safe and friendly atmosphere. They play music over the loud speaker, our families are cheering on the team. It gives couples a chance to do something for themselves instead of just for the kids. It’s great," she said.

Tiffany Robicheaux, Coquille’s adult sports director, said kickball is just like cabbageball except instead of hitting a ball with a bat, you kick a 10-inch kickball that is rolled to you. Paid officials call the games which are more fun than competitive. Each team consists of a minimum of 10 players (five men, five women.) There can be no more than 26 players on a team. A regulation game consists of seven innings or 50 minutes, whichever comes first. All players must be 18 years or older.

Robicheaux said the adult league has grown in its second season (there currently are 10 teams, up from six teams last season.) Neighborhoods such as Madison Farms and Highland Oaks have formed teams, as have local businesses. There is no gate fee to watch the games.

Robicheaux said she is hoping to offer more adult sports in the future as Coquille continues its expansion.

"I would like to eventually see flag football, cabbageball and other co-ed sports played here," she said.